TryGOLD- Free

THE WORLD TOUR'S TALENT FACTORY
CYCLING WEEKLY|May 26, 2022
Development squad Hagens Berman Axeon continue to thrive where others flounder. What's the secret of their success?
- Chris Marshall-Bell
THE WORLD TOUR'S TALENT FACTORY

Tao Geoghegan Hart, like most professional cyclists, did not go to university. But he had every bit the same experience (textbooks and exams aside) as someone who did. "My partner went to uni, and when we have conversations about it, I see the parallels between what we both did," he says. "I haven't done the studying part, but I too was around like-minded individuals from a variety of cultures that allowed me to develop, patiently, into who I am today. I look back on it as an enjoyable, really fundamental, and formative part of my life."

The Londoner is talking about his three years at male cycling's equivalent to Oxford or Harvard: the U23 development team currently known as Hagens Berman Axeon. Axel Merckx, its co-founder, and director, nods in agreement. "I always say we're a bit like college in the US," he proclaims.

"The alumni always say that they came from this or that university. That's basically what we are in the cycling world: I have more than 100 guys who have been on the team, and it's impossible to keep up with all of them, but I am their biggest fan regardless and they all talk fondly of us. We're trying to be the benchmark university, if you like."

This story is from the May 26, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 26, 2022 edition of CYCLING WEEKLY.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CYCLING WEEKLYView All
CLASSIC BIKE - JOHNNY BERRY
Cycling Weekly

CLASSIC BIKE - JOHNNY BERRY

Johnny be good at making beautiful lightweight bikes

time-read
1 min  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
UK SCENE - WUNDERKIND HUDSON WINS YORKSHIRE CX
Cycling Weekly

UK SCENE - WUNDERKIND HUDSON WINS YORKSHIRE CX

Newly crowned junior hill-climb champ shows his versatility by winning round seven on the mud

time-read
1 min  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
WATT WORKS FOR ME TADEJ POGAČAR
Cycling Weekly

WATT WORKS FOR ME TADEJ POGAČAR

The man himself - subject of this special issue - explains the key performance changes behind his record-breaking year

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
11 WAYS TO POG-UP YOUR PLAN
Cycling Weekly

11 WAYS TO POG-UP YOUR PLAN

Tadej Pocačar's performance is out of reach but you can adapt his training to raise your game. Chris Marshall-Bell consults the experts to find out how

time-read
9 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
Why do modern aero bikes look less aero?
Cycling Weekly

Why do modern aero bikes look less aero?

Are today's aero bikes really faster, or is marketing just getting better? Joe Baker investigates...

time-read
6 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
Cycling Weekly

REVIEW OF THE YEAR

An Olympic year is always special and the cycling season once again delivered a year of highs and lows, from Pogi's triple to Katie Archibald's pre-Olympic trip

time-read
3 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
MEET THE PARENTS
Cycling Weekly

MEET THE PARENTS

What made Tadej Pogačar the phenomenon he is today? Chris Marshall-Bell went to Slovenia to meet his mum and dad, Mirko and Marjeta

time-read
10 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
HALF MAN HALF GOAT
Cycling Weekly

HALF MAN HALF GOAT

Tadej Pogačar may have had a phenomenal season, but has he done enough to cement his status as the greatest of all time? Chris Marshall-Bell weighs the arguments for and against

time-read
10+ mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
Lefevere cashes in his chips and leaves cycling management
Cycling Weekly

Lefevere cashes in his chips and leaves cycling management

The news that Patrick Lefevere will step down as Quick Step boss marks the end of an era, after 22 years in charge

time-read
3 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)
Mathieu van der Poel weighs up skipping Tour de France
Cycling Weekly

Mathieu van der Poel weighs up skipping Tour de France

Dutchman hints at missing Tour in favour of mtb Worlds bid, reports Tom Thewlis from Dénia, Spain

time-read
2 mins  |
December 19 - 26, 2024 (Double Issue)

We use cookies to provide and improve our services. By using our site, you consent to cookies. Learn more